Application
Note: Please indicate whether your proposed project can transition or adapt to a digital learning environment. If so, explain how the project will enhance learning in a digital setting. All applications will be considered, whether or not projects can move to a digital learning environment. Questions should be directed to Karen Ewing at [email protected].
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now closed.
Purpose
Bright Ideas supports innovative and creative teacher-developed classroom projects that are not funded through general education funds.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a state-certified educator in a middle school in Jackson EMC’s service area. Check the list of eligible schools* below before applying.
- Project must benefit students in grades 6-8.
- Teacher may only apply for one project per school year.
- Grants are open to all subjects, including connections.
- Instructions must be followed completely or application will be disqualified.
Selection Criteria for Projects
- Provides innovative and creative learning experiences for students.
- Increases interest and elevates the level of learning, teaching and the overall educational experience.
- Provides defined goals and learning objectives.
- Benefits a greater number of students year after year.
- Provides ongoing uses in the classroom for students.
- Supports the continuous improvement of education in Georgia.
- Project funding is not otherwise available.
Grants are for innovative classroom projects only. Grant requests will NOT be considered for the following: professional development, field trips, student fees, salaries, incentives, furniture, Smart Boards, or PCs /laptops. Grant requests for classroom equipment, such as printers, software or hand-held electronic tablet-like devices, must be program-related.
Preparing Your Grant Application
Please reference the Bright Ideas Grant Proposal Rubric to ensure the highest possible score.
Tips from the Judges:
- The stated project objectives must match the proposed project summary.
- Applications must be grammatically correct, thoughtful and serious; your writing should relate to proposed ideas and topical areas.
- The proposal narrative should effectively address the major topical areas: summary, innovation, implementation and objectives.
Application Instructions:
- All applications must be completed and received online using the automated application form by midnight on Sept. 5, 2023. No hand written applications will be accepted.
- Do not include any identifying information (i.e. your name(s), the name of your county, school or mascot on Parts 2, 3 and 4. These sections are sent to an independent judges panel comprised of university level educators.
- Word limits and guidelines must be followed. Do not send supplementary materials. A member of our team will contact you if clarification is needed.
- Each teacher may apply for one grant per school year and all applications must be approved by the school’s principal.
- Grants will be awarded to state-certified middle school teachers instructing students in grades 6 -8 in a middle school in Jackson EMC’s service area.
- Applicants agree Jackson EMC has the right to use names, photos, project and information about grant in publicity.
- Failure to follow all application guidelines will result in disqualification. Judges' decisions are final.
Successful Applicant
Grant recipients will be notified and funds will be awarded in late October/early November. Grant funds should be used within the academic school year awarded and grant recipients must provide a written grant report detailing the outcome of the grant.
Questions?
Direct any questions about the program to Karen Ewing at [email protected].
*Eligible Schools
Please check this list to make sure your school is eligible before applying.
| Academies of Discovery at South Hall | East Jackson Comprehensive High School (8th Grade) | North Hall Middle School |
| Athens Christian School | East Jackson Middle School | Northbrook Middle School |
| Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy | Gainesville Middle School | Osborne Middle School |
| Barrow – Arts & Innovation Magnet Program | Greater Atlanta Christian School | Radloff Middle School |
| Banks County Middle School | Haymon-Morris Middle School | Richards Middle School |
| Bear Creek Middle School | Hebron Christian Academy | Russell Middle School |
| Berkmar Middle School | Hull Middle School | South Hall Middle School |
| Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School | Jefferson Middle School | Summerour Middle School |
| C.W. Davis Middle School | Jones Middle School | Sweetwater Middle School |
| Cherokee Bluff Middle School | Jordan Middle School | Twin Rivers Middle School |
| Chestatee Academy | Lakeview Academy | W. R. Coile Middle School |
| Coleman Middle School | Lanier Christian Academy | West Hall Middle School |
| Commerce Middle School | Legacy Knoll Middle School | West Jackson Middle School |
| Creekland Middle School | Lilburn Middle School | Westside Middle School |
| Dacula Middle School | Lumpkin County Middle School | World Language Academy Middle School |
| The Da Vinci Academy at South Hall | Madison County Middle School | |
| Duluth Middle School | McConnell Middle School | |
| East Hall Middle School | Moore Middle School |